Sudden decree stirs Juba’s economic circles
On Monday evening, state television interrupted its programming to announce a presidential decree removing First Undersecretary Garang Majak Bol from the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The order, signed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, returned veteran technocrat Kuol Daniel Ayulo to the post.
A familiar face returns to the treasury
Ayulo previously held the same senior civil-service position before an earlier dismissal. His reinstatement signals Kiir’s preference for experienced hands during delicate macroeconomic adjustments, including currency stabilization and salary arrears settlement spelt out in recent cabinet briefings.
No official rationale, but timing raises questions
The decree offered no explanation for Bol’s exit. Government spokespeople maintained the move was ‘routine’. Nonetheless, analysts in Juba note that it arrives as the finance docket prepares mid-year budget revisions and negotiates oil-backed loan repayments with regional banks.
Civil society voices concern over frequent shifts
“The ministry risks becoming a house of malpractice if reshuffles continue unchecked,” cautioned Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. He argued that performance-based evaluations, not patronage, should guide appointments to safeguard transparency and accountability.
Implications for fiscal reforms and donor confidence
International partners monitor leadership stability as a proxy for policy continuity. Recurrent changes may complicate talks on debt relief and development funding. However, supporters of Kiir contend that rotating personnel curbs complacency and injects fresh energy into revenue mobilisation.
Eyes on Ayulo’s next 100 days
Stakeholders will track whether the reinstated undersecretary accelerates public-finance management reforms, clears salary backlogs and improves expenditure reporting. His performance could determine if this reshuffle marks a turning point or becomes another entry in a long ledger of rapid changes.